Page 5 - HEF COE 2022

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
s we move through life, we encounter many paths to take—with obstacles to overcome, decisions to be made, problems to be solved and lessons to be learned. Some paths
are easier than others, but through all the obstacles, decisions, problems, and lessons we can find clear paths forward.
This past year, with the help of community donors, the Helena Education Foundation funded a different type of pathway for young students: two sets of age-appropriate Sensory Pathways for each of Helena’s elementary schools. During the school day, Sensory Pathways allow students the opportunity to stimulate their bodies and brains, enabling them to be more academically engaged, develop healthy coping skills, and decrease inappropriate behaviors. Sensory Pathways focus on early intervention/prevention addressing social and emotional issues and fostering behaviors to help set students up for success throughout their academic journey. This major, district-wide project was named in honor of Jack and Penny Copps.
The Distinguished Students honored through this year’s Celebration of Excellence have experienced half of their high school years during a global pandemic—a path to the future no one anticipated, and one that presented unique challenges. With the help of educators who guided them with deft hands and kind hearts, they have successfully navigated those challenges and are now set to take the lessons learned down new pathways—some to work, some to school, some to service. This year’s Distinguished Students carry with them distinctive experiences that will inform their decision-making and leadership and guide them as they take on the world.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating these fine students and the educators who make such an important impact.
—KYLE SPENCER, President, Helena Education Foundation Board of Directors HEFMT.ORG A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE 2022 | 5